Small Town Sandwich Shop goes beyond

Lexi:

Just over the bridge in Spring Lake, Small Town Sandwich Shop is a family-owned business that has been up and running since 2015. They are open every day from 11 a.m. to two p.m.

It was satisfying to be able to walk into a place for once that was welcoming, along with containing a variety of different options. For once, there is finally more than one vegan option on a menu in a local location.

This local gem has recently introduced a unique new menu that hones in on gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options, and is unlike any other place I have been to nearby.

Covered in unique patterns and designs, the dimly lit dining room of the shop captivates food lovers and the scent of the room makes mouths water. The tranquil sound of drinks trickling from the fountains makes the environment calming and it allows the world around us slow down for just a little while.

We inched up to the front of the dining room and were greeted by a warm smile. Scanning the menu we observed many sandwich and burger options with vegan substitutes. They were willing to shape our orders into anything that we wanted. It was pretty busy for a rainy Wednesday afternoon, and we only had to wait for around five minutes, if that.

I ordered the ¨Beyond Burger¨ which flew high beyond my expectations. The flavor of the vegan meat on the creamy guacamole made the experience come full circle.

I had the best vegan burger I have ever had, which was made with Beyond Meat. Beyond Meat is a corporation that sells a variety of vegan meat substitutes typically also gluten and soy free, along with non-GMO.

Also on their menu is a variety of sandwiches (with and without meat), soups, salads, fish and many appetizing starters.

Nick:

Being vegan, and gluten-free, I’ve spent most of my life nitpicking dishes and frustrating cooks with the number of details on my order. So to find a restaurant nearby where I can exchange about 9 dollars and 5 words for a fully functional meal is quite the blessing.

I ordered the ‘curry chickpea salad sandwich’ which sounded promising. Being that chickpeas are high in protein and curry is simply a God sent spice. The garbanzos served as the ‘tuna’ or ‘egg’ would, while the vegan mayo, onions, celery, apples, walnuts, and cranberry spread finished the job.

Unfortunately, the gluten-free bread didn’t happen to be vegan, but the jovial staff happily made up for it with a lettuce wrap. The mix of soft, crunchy, spicy and sweet made this sandwich a colorful, cultured combo, eligible for multiple trips back on my part.